IELTS Sample Papers

Preparing For the IELTS

The IELTS, called International English Language Testing System, is the most widely accepted measure of an individual’s operational command of the English language. If you’re looking to study abroad, the IELTS is a major component of your application process that you should direct efforts towards early on.

Your test results will need to be reported on every application you send out, so effective preparation and resilience are key to ace the test. What’s more, the IELTS is one of the first indicators of what your life abroad could look like. The test is designed to challenge future academicians, and how you respond to it is paramount to building a viable future and career for yourself.

The best way to prepare for this window into your future is with consistent practice. Luckily, the test’s 30-year run has provided aspiring students with a host of sample tests to track their progress and set score goals.

IELTS Exam Structure

Whether you’re taking the IELTS Academic or General Training, the IELTS shall include four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The IELTS is to be attempted in 2 hours and 45 minutes, a time frame that you shall need to get used to. As a language proficiency test, the IELTS tests your time management and critical thinking alongside your command of English. During prep, you need to work on these skills alongside test material.

Upcoming IELTS Exam Dates

To meet the varying timelines and resulting requirements for test-takers, the IELTS is conducted 48 times a year. This means you can expect IELTS tests to be conducted at least 4 times a month at your nearest test center. The test is also typically held on Thursdays and Saturdays.

While you have a chance every week to take the formal exam, and no limit on the number of attempts, it is inadvisable to take the IELTS with no prior preparation. Instead, take mock tests and work yourself up to a single attempt. Make it count!

You can view the test centers and available IELTS exam dates at IDP India’s official website.

IELTS Sample Papers

Effective IELTS exam preparation hinges on well-structured preparation and gradual development of your language skills. Preparation for language proficiency tests is akin to mastering a language’s nuances and rules in a short amount of time, so it’s time to foster dedication and persistence! Here are some official samples for each section of the test:

IELTS Listening Sample Tests

This section of the exam lasts for 30 minutes and can consist of a range of question types based on 4 audio recordings. Here are some samples for each question type from IDP:

• Multiple Choice Questions

Sample A

1. Listening Sample task Multiple Choice (one answer)
2. Listening Sample task Multiple Choice (one answer) Answer Key (PDF 24 KB – 1 page)
3. Listening Sample task Multiple Choice (one answer) Recording Transcript (PDF 84 KB – 1 page)

Sample B

1. Listening Sample task Multiple Choice (more than one answer)
2. Listening Sample task Multiple Choice (more than one answer) Answer Key (PDF 23 KB – 1 page) 
3. Listening Sample task Multiple Choice (more than one answer) Recording Transcript (PDF 78 KB – 1 page)

• Plan/Map/Diagram Labeling

1. Listening Sample task Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling
2. Listening Sample task Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling Answer Key (PDF 21 KB – 1 page)
3. Listening Sample task Plan/Map/Diagram Recording Transcript (PDF 75 KB – 1 page)

• Note Completion

1. Listening Sample task Note Completion
2. Listening Sample task Note Completion Answer Key (PDF 22 KB – 1 page)
3. Listening Sample task Note Completion Recording Transcript (PDF 92 KB – 2 pages)

• Table Completion

1. Listening Sample task Table Completion
2. Listening Sample task Table Completion Answer Key (PDF 26 KB – 1 page)
3. Listening Sample task Table Completion Recording Transcript (PDF 31 KB – 1 page)

• Flow-Chart Completion

1. Listening Sample task Flow-chart Completion
2. Listening Sample task Flow-chart Completion Answer Key (PDF 92 KB – 1 page)
3. Listening Sample task Flow-chart Completion Recording Transcript (PDF 40 KB – 2 pages)

• Sentence Completion

1. Listening Sample task Sentence Completion
2. Listening Sample task Sentence Completion Answer Key (PDF 30 KB – 1 page)
3. Listening Sample task Sentence Completion Recording Transcript (PDF 37 KB – 1 page)

• Short Answer Questions

1. Listening Sample task Short Answer Questions
2. Listening Sample task Short Answer Questions Answer Key (PDF 22 KB – 1 page)
3. Listening Sample task Short Answer Questions Recording Transcript (PDF 78 KB – 1 page)

IELTS Reading Sample Tests

The Reading section of the IELTS lasts for an hour and requires focused reading and critical analysis. This is often the section that requires the most preparation and dedicated study time so it’s wise to practice the full gambit of questions that can be asked.

Candidates are given three long passages to read, and the questions in the section are based on their understanding of the passages.

• Multiple Choice Questions (One Answer)

1. Academic Reading Sample task Multiple Choice (one answer)
2. Academic Reading Sample task Multiple Choice (one answer) Answer Key (PDF 21 KB – 1 page)

• Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Answer)

1. Academic Reading Sample task Multiple Choice (more than one answer)
2. Academic Reading Sample task Multiple Choice (more than one answer) Answer Key (PDF 21 KB – 1 page)

• Identifying Information (True/Not Given/False)

1. Academic Reading Sample task Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
2. Academic Reading Sample task Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given) Answer Key (PDF 17 KB – 1 page)

• Note Completion

1. Academic Reading Sample task Note Completion
2. Academic Reading Sample task Note Completion Answer Key (PDF 21 KB – 1 page)

• Table Completion

1. Academic Reading Sample task Table Completion
2. Academic Reading Sample task Table Completion Answer Key (PDF 17 KB – 1 page)

• Matching Features

1. Academic Reading Sample task Matching Features
2. Academic Reading Sample task Matching Features Answer Key (PDF 107 KB – 1 page)

• Summary Completion (Selecting Words from Text)

1. Academic Reading Sample task Summary Completion (selecting words from the text)
2. Academic Reading Sample task Summary Completion (selecting words from the text) Answer Key (PDF 17 KB – 1 page)

• Summary Completion (Selecting From a List of Phrases or Words)

1. Academic Reading Sample task Summary Completion (selecting from a list of words or phrases)
2. Academic Reading Sample task Summary Completion (selecting from a list of words or phrases) Answer Key (PDF 18 KB – 1 page)

• Sentence Completion

1. Academic Reading Sample task Sentence Completion
2. Academic Reading Sample task Sentence Completion Answer Key (PDF 17 KB – 1 page)

• Matching Sentence Endings

1. Academic Reading Sample task Matching Sentence Endings
2. Academic Reading Sample task Matching Sentence Endings Answer Key (PDF 17 KB – 1 page)

IELTS Writing Sample Tests

This section of the test lasts an hour and has two writing tasks. In the first part of the test, you are asked to put information in a pictorial representation (graph, table, etc.) in your own words, all while describing nuances and objectives. In the other part, you must write a structured argument or opinion on a given topic.

1. Academic Writing Sample task Part 1
2. Academic Writing Sample task Part 2
3. Responses to Sample Part 2 with band scores and examiner comments (PDF 492 KB – 5 pages)

IELTS Exam Preparation with Manya – The Princeton Review

If the idea of preparation is still a daunting aspect for you, do not fret. There is more than one way of going about effective IELTS exam preparation.

If you want to leave no stone unturned in this critical aspect of your application process, Manya – The Princeton Review offers online prep courses that prepare you for the level of English you can expect in an academic classroom—and the IELTS.

No matter your level of proficiency, these online coaching classes seek to make IELTS preparation accessible to students across the country at an affordable fee structure.

Take the first steps towards your study abroad journey by choosing one of two prep options, depending on what you want to get out of your IELTS exam and your level of skill and method of learning.

If you want a more flexible program for IELTS exam preparation, Manya – The Princeton Review’s IELTS Self-Paced program is a 3-month course that has been specifically crafted for students who prefer to set their own study pace and those looking for a guided approach to the exam.

Effective Tips to Get the Most of IELTS Sample Papers

To wield your potential and effectively use IELTS sample papers, use the following tips:

1. Take a full-length test at the beginning of your prep journey. This is your baseline. Set a target score for yourself and place your goals on a timeline as per your requirement.
2. Practice all question types before attempting section-wise samples. Begin timing yourself and working on your time management skills alongside.
3. After you’ve taken several section tests, take a full-length timed mock test. This will help you put your practice to use.
4. Do not attempt mock tests without a strategy. Conduct reviews of your performance and adjust your practice before attempting another.
5. Simulate the environment of the test at home. Treat it seriously and attempt all questions as if it were a formal test. Training your mindset assures success!

Conclusion

With nearly 4 million individuals attempting the IELTS each year, it is necessary to structure your approach to the test. As the most popular measure of English language proficiency, the IELTS is often the first step students take in their study abroad journey.

Vigorous preparation and frequent attempts of sample papers ensures this first step is their best one.